July 2009
Stay & Play
31 Ways to Celebrate July
By Margaret Hut
- Go outside after dusk and watch the fireflies--a magical experience for viewers of all ages. If you want to help scientists document the possible decline in firefly populations, visit mos.org/fireflywatch.
- Take the family to the Potomac Nationals vs. Frederick Orioles game in Manassas. Minor league baseball is a perfect family bonding activity. 703-590-2311; potomacnationals.com
- Instead of bucking the crowds on the National Mall for the July 4th concert and fireworks, attend the concert rehearsal the day before.
- Visit Mount Vernon for a slice of “Happy Birthday America” cake, listen to patriotic music and watch military reenactments: mountvernon.org/calendar. For local Fourth of July events, visit maryland.gov and virginia.org.
- Want to feel the sand between your toes? Sandy Point State Park is a short drive away, located on the western side of the Chesapeake Bay. You'll have spectacular views of the Bay Bridge, but you won't have to drive over it! There is boating, fishing, hiking and biking and, of course, swimming along the bay. Bring your friends and family, but leave your pet(s) at home. 410-974-2149; park-sandy-point@dnr.state.md.us
- Make ice cream! If you don't have a favorite family recipe, you can find some delicious ones online.
- If you can find a spot away from all the light pollution, go outside and star gaze. Brush up on the constellations so you can point them out to your children. Explain to them that not so long ago, before electric lights, people on our planet could see thousands more stars than we can today.
- Hains Point is at the tip of East Potomac Park, located between the Washington Channel and the Potomac River. The park comprises 328 acres of playgrounds, public swimming pools, tennis courts and a golf course. Bring a picnic and watch the planes take off from National Airport. 202-619-7177
- Attend the Baltimore County 4-H Fair at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium (through July 11). Enjoy exhibits, animals, livestock shows, food and entertainment. 410-666-1025; baltimorecounty4hfair.org
- Say “Goodnight Mr. Lincoln.” This interactive tour with stories, games and memories about young Abe Lincoln is perfect for ages 4 to 10 with adults. Meet at the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. 7 p.m., Saturdays through Labor Day. Reservations: 202-485-1565; washingtonwalks.com
- Enjoy “Natural Impressions,” a free family workshop at the Corcoran with gallery activities and hands-on projects. Check out the gallery's other Saturday programs at 202-639-1700; corcoran.org
- Another family-friendly minor league game: The Bowie Baysox host Altoona at 6:05 p.m. Fireworks follow the game. 301-805-6000; baysox.com
- Most area libraries have summer reading programs for kids of all ages. If your children aren't already participating, sign them up now!
- Grab some binoculars and head for the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Chesapeake, Va., where skilled staffers will teach your family birdwatching basics. 888-889-5551; visitchesapeake.com/whattodo/birding
- African animals have taken over the Smithsonian! The “Artful Animals” exhibition takes place through February 21, 2010, with free and ticketed activities offered at the National Museum of African Art, as well as the National Postal Museum, National Zoo, National Museum of Natural History and Discovery Theater. 202-633-1000; africa.si.edu
- There’s fun for all at the Fauquier County Fair in Warrenton, featuring livestock, rabbits, poultry, produce, homemade arts and crafts, animal shows, demonstrations, great food and music. 540-788-9549; fauquierfair.org
- Bethesda Big Train Summer College Baseball is celebrating its 10th season. This is “Every Inning Is the 7th Inning” Stretch Night, with Big Train rally towels for the first 250 fans in attendance. Povich Field, Cabin John Regional Park. 301-983-1006; bigtrain.org
- Enjoy the 2nd Annual Summer Safari Festival with food and activities, a mini-carnival and petting zoo, as well as a special performance by Robbienoceros. City Hall Concert Pavilion and Grounds, Gaithersburg. 301-258-6350
- Take a day trip to Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania, Va. Boating and fishing are major attractions and on summer weekends, there are interpretive programs on the nature and history of the area. 540-854-5503; dcr.virginia.gov
- Find a nearby swimming hole for some real old-time fun. Visit swimmingholes.org for locations.
- The Washington Mystics take on the Indiana Fever, 7 p.m. at Verizon Center. 877-DCHOOP1; washingtonmystics.com
- World TeamTennis, the professional and amateur league created by Billie Jean King, encourages play for fun. Fans are asked to cheer, yell and chant. Watch the Washington Kastles play the Springfield Lasers. 202-483-6647; washingtonkastles.com
- More minor league baseball! The Frederick Keys play the Lynchburg Hillcats at 7 p.m. 301-662-0013; frederickkeys.com
- Splash down! The Splash Playground at South Germantown Recreational Park features a waterfall, tumbling buckets, rain tree water tunnel and much more. 301-601-3580; mc-mnccpc.org/Parks/facilities/south_germantown/splash_announce.shtm
- Enjoy a great family outing at the 20th Annual Montgomery County Farm Tour & Harvest Sale. Spend a day or two in the country petting farm animals or having lunch by a scenic pond. Purchase fresh fruits, veggies, flowers and plants, and pick your own berries and peaches. Montgomerycountymd.gov/farmtour
- The Loudoun County Fair runs through Saturday, August 1. Activities include animal exhibits, carnival rides and shows, music, rodeo, circus thrill show and lots for the kids. 703-777-5936; loudouncountyfair.com
- Try paddle boating on the Tidal Basin in the shadow of the Jefferson Memorial (ages 16 and up). 202-479-2426; tidalbasinpeddleboats.com
- Bethesda Outdoor Movies: Stars on the Avenue, 9 p.m. at Woodmont Triangle, features Grease, the 1978 hit movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. bethesda.org
- The Washington Freedom, our own women's professional soccer team, plays the Boston Breakers at Maryland SoccerPlex, 8 p.m. 202-547-KICK; washingtonfreedom.com
- Take the family on a jungle adventure at the Indiana Jones-inspired "Perils of the Lost Jungle" miniature golf course at Woody's Golf Range in Herndon. 703-430-8337; woodysgolf.com
- Let's end the month with a favorite from Rosslyn's “I Heart the 80s” Outdoor Film Festival. E.T. will begin at dusk in Gateway Park. rosslynva.org